Tripod questions

I'm looking for a to buy a tripod, and I really have no idea what to look for. It will hold an F100 and small lenses, and will hopefully not be a beast, since I will probably be taking it places. Brands? Features? Thanks in advance...

Gitzo and Manfrotto ( Bogen is the same company ) for higher end stuff. I have a couple Manfrotto/Bogen tripods and they are built like tanks so don't be afraid to purchase used. I've seen them go over $500 for a carbon lightweight high tech tripod ( I only wish i had one ) and as little as 35 bucks for my 3011 w/ tripan head at a camera swap. Its heavy but extremely stable with even my heaviest lenses.

I'd like to put in some free advertising for Velbon. Having said that, my budget is pretty limited. Like everyone else I'd probably go for Gitzo or Manfrotto if I could afford them. Once you've tried quick-release you may wonder how you ever got on without it (saves on constant screwing and unscrewing of camera to tripod). Portability is clearly an issue, but if I had an F100 then the tripod's sturdiness would be more important to me since I'd be terrified of even the slightest chance of it ever falling over.